Deliberate, Not Deprived: Comforts of Off-Grid, Michigan Life

Ask Joe Trumpey to describe life in his off-grid, straw bale home in the dead of a Michigan winter, and you might be surprised by his answer: “Comfortable.”

What’s interesting about the Trumpeys is that being so diligently thoughtful about energy use has made for a comfortable way of life. In taking on a homesteader philosophy, Trumpey explains, “people learn to make things themselves, and take pride in what they make. They don’t have to be perfect.” The Trumpey home isn’t exactly rustic, but some walls aren’t quite straight. It takes some real mental energy to live there. Yet, says Trumpey, “So much of our American home lifestyle is the perfect American dream, and the perfect American home.” It’s perfect kitchen cabinets and complimentary granite countertops. But the Trumpeys’ home, farm, and the energy that supports it is an effort managed and sustained by the family. “It’s stuff that we’ve done,” says Trumpey. “That notion is very comforting to us.”

This month, challenge a neighbor to GOOD's energy smackdown. Find a neighbor with a household of roughly the same square footage and see who can trim their power bill the most. Throughout February, we'll share ideas and resources for shrinking your household carbon footprint, so join the conversation at good.is/energy.